CRESTVIEW, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott and First Lady Ann Scott today, joined by Colonel John T. Ferry and Al Carter, FDVA Deputy Executive Director, awarded 255 Florida veterans with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award for their service to Florida and the nation.

Governor Scott said, “I am privileged to have recognized 255 Crestview area veterans today with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award. More than 1.5 million veterans call Florida their home, and we must take every opportunity to recognize them for their service and sacrifice.”

First Lady Ann Scott said, “Meeting active duty service members, veterans and their families is one of my favorite things about being Florida’s First Lady. It’s a tremendous honor to be here with Rick today to recognize these brave men and women with the Governor’s Veterans Service Award.”

Al Carter, Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs Deputy Executive Director, said, “Over the past generations, many of our veterans have often served overseas with wartime veterans making up about 75 percent of Florida’s total veteran population. They all give us much to be thankful for and today I am delighted to pay tribute to our heroes.”

The ceremony was held at the EDT 870th Engineer Company in Crestview. During the ceremony, Governor Scott highlighted the service of Florida veteran, LeRoy Manor.

LeRoy Manor
LeRoy Manor grew up on a dairy farm in upstate New York and entered the Air Force in 1942. During World War II, Manor flew 72 combat missions as a P-47 pilot, including the Normandy invasion. He served as commander in the Son Tay raid to free U.S. POWs in Vietnam, and aided in developing strategic plans and training volunteers to search for and rescue U.S. POWs. Thanks in part to Manor’s leadership and bold execution, the operation was conducted without the loss of a single American life. Manor later served as the first commander of the Air Force Special Operations Command. After retirement, he served as the National President of the Military Officers Association and relocated to Florida.

Florida Veterans Medal
The “Governor’s Veterans Service Award” honors Floridians who have served in the U.S. Military. The front of the medal depicts the Great Seal of the State of Florida. The back of the medal displays the five seals representing the five branches of U.S. Military with an inscription that reads “Honoring Those Who Served.”